Tag: Fasting before surgery

Recent studies have shown that consuming a clear carbohydrate beverage up to two hours before elective surgery can reduce patient anxiety, combat thirst, and improve post-operative recovery, fundamentally changing the traditional 'nothing by mouth after midnight' rule. This modern approach incorporates a pre op drink as part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to better prepare the body for surgical stress.

Pulmonary aspiration is a serious complication of general anesthesia, with some reports showing an incidence rate between 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 3,000 operations [1.5.3, 1.5.5]. To mitigate this, knowing **what is the last fluid intake before surgery** is critical for patient safety.

Following pre-anesthesia guidelines is standard practice to help ensure patient safety during medical procedures requiring anesthesia. Understanding what you shouldn't do before anesthesia is key to following these instructions from your medical team.